A rabies alert has been issued for western Maricopa in Pinal County after a gray fox tested positive. Pinal County Animal Care and Control warns residents of the ongoing risk in Arizona's wildlife, as reported by Pinal County.
According to a statement on the Pinal County website, there's no test available to screen for rabies before the grim symptoms hit. This disease does not just affect animals. It can be deadly to humans too, once symptoms manifest. The virus, spread through saliva, can infiltrate the nervous system, leading to a deterioration of the brain and spinal cord. Communication between Pinal County officials, and local health experts serves as a stark reminder to keep a safe distance from any wild animals you might encounter.
Thankfully, preventive measures are not out of reach. Pet vaccinations are the frontline defense against rabies, and they are readily available through local veterinarians. The county is also stepping up by offering reduced-cost rabies vaccination clinics with shots pegged at $10.00, as detailed by Pinal County.
For additional details on the occurrence of the rabid fox, tips on rabies prevention, and clinics' schedules, resources are available online at Pinal County's Animal Care and Control as well as the Public Health's respective websites.
.jpg){kind=link}